The Tribune

By NATARIO MCKENZIE

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Stephen Bereaux, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) director of policy and regulation, said the regulator hoped to have a decision on the fee increases proposed by Cable Bahamas three months from the close of its public consultative process, as consumers last night again voiced their opposition to the proposed fee increase.

URCA held its final town meeting in a series of town meetings at the Town Centre Mall last night on the proposed 27 per cent increase to Cable Bahamas’ basic Cable television offering. URCA’s public consultation ends on October 19.

“We could reject the fee increase outright. We could approve it , we could approve it, we could approve it in part, or we could approve it with conditions. There are a number of options available to us. Our hands are tied by law and whatever decision we make we have to have a valid reason for it. Cable Bahamas has a right to appeal. We would hope that we would have a final decision in about three months from the close,” said Mr Bereaux who reiterated that the regulator has not made a final decision as yet in the matter.

The proposed price increases by cable Bahamas are from $30 to $38 for residential customers – an $8 or 27 per cent increase, and from $50 to $63.50 for business customers – a $13.50 or 27 per cent increase. The BISX-listed communications operator applied for a price increase to its SuperBasic cable television service, currently marketed as its RevTv prime cable television package, last December. Customers last night expressed their dissatisfaction with Cable Bahamas’ service and disapproval with the proposed increase during the town meeting attended by some 50 individuals.

Theresa Mortimer said: “Every television in your house requires a digital box. If yo want to buy one that’s’ a straight up fee and you could rent one. Cable Bahamas is making enough extra money as it is and there is no need for any additional increase. Cable Bahamas does not give you grace period on the late fee which is $5.50. Some companies give you a grace period. cable Bahamas doesn’t give you that courtesy. With the late fees they have you definitely don’t need an increase. Then they have reconnection fees. Sometimes you don’t get reconnected right away. If you have to join the waiting list that could take three weeks. Cable was off last month in my area for three days and there was no apology or reduction in my bill. They need to be more customer friendly.”

Jerome Johnson said: “Cable Bahamas is not doing us any favors. These companies come here to make money. we are not going to allow them to take advantage of us. Why are they so greedy?”

Brenda Smith said: “It wouldn’t be so much about the money if you were getting good service. I have Cable television, internet and then they are calling me about phone. They are acting like hogs and we aren’t getting good service.” Jeremiah Jones said that the company should not be granted an increase as customers were already burdened with fees from the company. “When they went fully digital they made an increase. They have late fees and then they don’t credit you for interrupted service. At least with BEC when the power goes out I am not getting charged but with Cable Bahamas I am paying for continuous service.”